Relationships – The strong relationships we’ve built with our network partners, suppliers and strategic partners allow us to offer the best products, at the best prices

Some of our team, in their own words…

“If you employ the right people you can achieve anything”

Mark Thorndike – Managing Director

“I have been working in the telecoms sector since I graduated university in 2003. In 2013 I decided that it was time to draw on all my industry knowledge and start a company that was based on the ethos of providing a true and honest service. I performed a management buyout of my previous employer and Pastel was formed.

I am strong believer in the fact that if you employ the right people you can achieve anything and thus far this has been proved correct. It is illustrated in the huge steps and various industry accolades we have received since 2013.

I am passionate about Pastel, the staff and the customers, I like being very hands on and am proud to say that I still have customers who have been with me since 2005!

Outside of work I love spending time with my young family and love nothing more than escaping to the country for long and scenic walks (which inevitably lead to a nice little pub). I am also a very keen rugby supporter and try to get to see my Team, Northampton Saints when possible.”

Ross Maltby – Operations Director

“With over 15 years’ experience in business telecommunications – working with clients ranging from sole traders to PLCs, nationally recognised brands and celebrities – I have developed a diverse industry knowledge with an advanced expertise in mobile, data, fixed telephony and connectivity solutions.

As Operations Director at Pastel, my goal is to help drive the business forward through process and innovation, so we can deliver the best possible service to our customers.

I have a passion for cars and enjoy travelling, the great outdoors (and the film too) and spending time with friends and family.”

“My goal is to help drive the business forward through process and innovation”

“I feel honoured and humbled to be part of the Pastel Family.”

Gary Clarke – IP Voice Specialist & Project Manager

“Since graduating from University in 2000, and having worked in various roles within the IT sector, including IT Support Technician, Programmer, Broadband Support and running my own small IT Business supporting Schools and Domestic Clients alike, I am now enjoying the role of IP Voice Specialist & Project Manager at Pastel.

This is an exciting and rewarding position working full time within Hosted Telephony, and the Team have made me so welcome, they are such a great bunch, and I feel honoured and humbled to be part of the Pastel Family.

In my free time I enjoy many and varied hobbies, as an avid Guitarist & Songwriter, computing (obviously), gaming, fishing, driving/travel, Sport (watching) – mainly the NFL (New England Patriots), socialising with Family & Friends, and have even dabbled in the art of tattooing! ”.

Michele Nicholson – Senior Account Manager

“After graduating from university in 2004 I spent the next 10 years as a full time mum until I joined Pastel in 2014. Since joining the company I have built up vast industry knowledge and enjoy putting my personable skills to use developing relationships with all of my customers from wide ranging industries. I always endeavour to go that extra mile for people thus resulting in a high retention rate.

As a Senior Account Manager it is my goal to ensure my customers are on the best possible tariffs for their business needs and that they know I am always on hand to help, saving them valuable time by managing their account for them.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I love the fresh air of the Great British countryside. I am currently trying to improve my culinary skills with a little help from Jamie Oliver’s recent show and book ‘5 ingredients’.”

“It is my goal to ensure my customers are on the best possible tariffs ”

“Developing strong long term relationships with clients”

Michael Heath – Senior Account Manager

“I have 15 years professional experience in mobile business communications, and 5 years specialising in land line communications. I have extensive knowledge of the whole range of communications products and systems, including new technologies and am committed to helping clients find the right solutions to meet their needs.

I take pride in developing strong long term relationships with clients, so I can understand their business requirements and deliver an excellent responsive service to them which enhances their business efficiency and provides value for money.

In my spare time, I enjoy fitness training and spending time with good friends and family.”

Laura McDonald – Customer Support and Connections Manager

“After many years of customer service experience, I was fortunate enough to join the Pastel team and ever since I have been developing into the world of telecommunications.

My daily role is to work with the sales team processing all mobile connections and fixed line/broadband orders while also supporting every single customer with the highest standard of aftercare, fulfilling their telecommunication needs 24/7.

I love to help people as for me you can’t beat the feeling of making a customer happy, that’s what drives me through each day!

Being around such skilful, patient colleagues has made it possible for me to grow so quickly and made me grateful to have become part of an honest, genuine expert team of people.

I no longer hate Mondays!

Outside of work I love to go to festivals, concerts and spend lots of fun days out with my nieces and nephews. Oh and eat delicious food!”

“You can’t beat the feeling of making a customer happy.”

“I feel lucky to work within this marvellous team.”

Patrick Brown – Customer Service Manager

“I have been working in telecoms for nearly 15 years. In 2013, when Pastel was formed, I was one of the founding members with Mark Thorndike. Since then we have gone from strength to strength. I feel lucky to work within this marvellous team.

I now head up the Customer Service department, here at Pastel and I am very proud of that fact, anyone can sign a customer but for me it’s what you deliver through the life cycle of that contract that will really set you apart.

The problem solving process of the job, has always appealed to me and I love be able to be of assistance to the customer.

Pastel’s Growth into the Care Sector is also very close to my heart as not only do I work full time at Pastel, I am also a registered Care worker and love doing this job out of hours, it is a cause that is very close to home for me.

Away from work, I do enjoy football and sport in general. Also enjoy socialising with family and friends. I am a very keen music fan too, play me a record and I will be able to tell you the name and chart position that song reached! Ha Ha!”

From our Head Office in Stoke on Trent, home of the Oat Cake, and South West office in Cornwall, we serve customers nationwide.